Fitchburg celebrates its veterans

By Alana Melanson, amelanson@sentinelandenterprise.com

Updated:
11/13/2012 10:10:21 AM EST

FITCHBURG -- Veterans, civilians and elected officials gathered at the Senior Center on Monday morning in celebration of all of those who have served the country, from its beginnings to the present, and those who will serve in the future.

"There's still people out there who want to go after our right to liberty and justice, and it's just as important today that we fight for the freedoms and liberties that you have," City Council President Jody Joseph said. "We've had generation after generation of people from Fitchburg that have gone off to serve for our country, and for that, I'm proud and very thankful."

Elected officials who spoke at the ceremony promised continued care and consideration of veterans and their families.

State Rep. Stephen DiNatale, who served in the Navy from 1970 to 1974, implored attendees, as they looked upon the American flag, to "reflect on the ultimate sacrifices so many have made, so that we may live in the freedom and prosperity we enjoy today."

"They have made the flying of this great American flag possible," he added.

U.S. Rep. Niki Tsongas spoke of the changing nature of warfare, which has sent many soldiers on multiple deployments.

"The wounds of post-traumatic stress disorder and the wounds from IEDs are something we are going to be dealing with for many years to come," she said.

"Veterans, defenders of freedom, you come with memories, stories and tears," said guest speaker Richard Earley, national service officer for the Vietnam Veterans of America and current president of Leominster Chapter 116.

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"You mean everything to us."

He spoke of the long history of Fitchburg citizens and their service to America, beginning with Union Army nurse Martha Goodrich and Cpl. Orlando Boss, who served in Company F of the 25th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry and received the Medal of Honor for his actions at the Battle of Cold Harbor, Va., during the Civil War.

Boss, who is buried in Laurel Hill Cemetery, dragged a wounded soldier to safety under enemy fire, then appealed to his brigadier commander for permission to rescue his injured lieutenant, and succeeded "despite a torrent of enemy gunfire," Earley said.

Through the present, veterans from Fitchburg, as well as their families, have made great sacrifices in the name of freedom, he said, imploring those present to assume the responsibility of making sure they are both recognized and supported when they are in need.

"These veterans are created by a culture to protect, defend and do battle with our enemies," Earley said. "On returning home, they all should be honored and re-integrated, or they will be maligned and relegated to the edges of our society. How we view and treat these people has a direct impact on how they thrive."

Earley said elected leaders must address the issue of war and its consequences, from soldiers killed in battle to those who take their own lives upon returning. Veteran suicide is at an all-time high, he said, averaging one per day.

"One question never asked, as we continue in the longest war in human history, is what is the price of one American life?" Earley said. "We should demand an accounting."

DiNatale presented Bob and Joan Cayer with the Veterans of Foreign Wars Memorial Commendation for their son, Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Geofrey Cayer, who was killed in combat in Iraq on July 18, 2006, at the age of 21.

Bob Cayer said he and his wife are grateful for the support from the community.

"We not only come together, but we suffer together and we participate together," he said. "It's a thanksgiving."